Knock Offs Podcast

Jon chats with Michelle Allen from Diamond Valley Foodshare on Knock Offs. We discuss how the volunteer-run is feeding our community in need, sourcing food from local partners, and how you can help out by donating your money, products and time to this worthy cause.

In Australia, Fundraiser Appreciation Day occurs on the first Friday of July, which is the first Friday following the end of the financial year, when we see the highest levels of donor generosity. The theme for Fundraiser Appreciation Day 2026 is The Power Of The Ask. Fundraisers are vital in helping charitable organisations and nonprofit causes fulfil their missions by raising valuable funds and building lasting and transformative relationships with their supporters. Their commitment, skills and expertise in the sector are essential for driving social change, tackling societal challenges, and creating a better future for all. We speak with three fundraisers about what The Power Of The Ask means to them, featuring: Jennifer Rutkowski from Sir David Martin Foundation David Sloan from Wesley Research Institute Kat Crowley from Kidney Health Australia

Jon chats with Dr Shannon Schedlich from Siblings Australia on Knock Offs. We discuss the challenges faced by siblings of people with disability, how we can acknowledge and support them, and their new SibCircle regular giving program to sustain the programs, peer support, and advocacy that siblings rely on.

Jon chats with Jacquie Thompson-Bennetts from headspace Greensborough about youth mental health and how you can participate in The Push-Up Challenge 3-26 June 2026 to support your own physical and mental health while fundraising for our local mental health service to 12-25 year olds on Knock Offs.

Jon chats with Adrian Danks from Melbourne Cinémathèque about their latest programs IT’S TIME: AUSTRALIAN CINEMA IN 1975 and MOTHER TONGUE: AUSTRALIAN WOMEN IN ANIMATION on Knock Offs.

Community broadcasting is at the heart of every community. That's the vision for the sector's Roadmap 2033. At the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia conference, stations and presenters discussed how AI can be used as a tool to support broadcasters. And how fundraising strategies can bolster the sector’s financial sustainability. Jon and Patrick discuss what this means for smaller stations like 96.5 Inner FM on Knock Offs. Original story produced by Eduardo Jordan for The Wire and featuring Jon Bisset, CEO for the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia.

Jon chats with Cerise Howard from Melbourne Cinémathèque about their latest program MARX, MELODRAMA AND MARCOS: LINO BROCKA FROM THE MID-1970s TO THE EARLY 1980s. We discuss Brocka's life, the importance of his filmography and the potential future of Australian-Filipino film on Knock Offs. Catch the program at ACMI on: Wednesday 29 October: 7:00pm INSIANG and 8:55pm MANILA IN THE CLAWS OF LIGHT Wednesday 5 November: 7:00pm BONA and 8:40pm CAIN AND ABEL

Jon chats with Jo Hopkins from The Wilderness Society about their campaign to Protect Victoria's Forests for Good, how they took the Enivornment Minister to court for failing to protect our threatenes species and won, upcoming events, and how you can volunteer for nature on Knock Offs.

Jon chats with Tom from Midnight Violet about their new single Stand On My Fallen Heart, the importance of community, and more upcoming music and shows on Knock Offs.

Jon chats with Jess, Chelsea and Giac from Ramona Sky about their new single Go, evolving musical influences, and more upcoming music and shows on Knock Offs.

Jon, Skye and Declan review Oreo Double Stuff Pascall Marshmallow on Knock Offs.

Skye and Jon chat with Phia Exiner about her new album When I’m Holding You, I’m Holding Me, future touring plans and Melbourne Indie Voices on Knock Offs.

The theme for Fundraiser Appreciation Day Australia 2025 is 'Count The Difference'.​ In Australia, Fundraiser Appreciation Day occurs on the first Friday of July, which is the first Friday following the end of the financial year in Australia, when we see the highest levels of supporter generosity. Jon spoke with Heather Little (Australian Wildlife Conservancy), Ryan Ginard (Minderoo Foundation), and Catherine Brooks, (Equitable Philanthropy) about how they are counting the difference and celebrating Fundraiser Appreciation Day.

Jon chats with Ofri about her first ever live show in Melbourne for free(!) at the Wesley Anne in Northocte on Tuesday 1st July 2025 on Knock Offs.

Jon and Declan reviews Aero Strawberry on Knock Offs.

Last week Victorian mental health workers were striking to demand better working conditions and system reform. The protest, led by a banner reading “772 Too Many,” honours the 772 Victorians lost to suicide last year. Jon and Declan discuss the campaign for fair compensation and safe workplaces for all mental health workers on Knock Offs. Original story produced by Moemina Shukur for The Wire and featuring Paul Healey State Secretary for Health and Community Services Union.

Jon and Declan chat with Germán from Fire Roots about their new EP Morning Light on Knock Offs.

Jon chats with Gary Chalmers and Ben Kennedy about launching their new record label BamTrax, the electronic music scene in Melbourne, and raising funds for the Alcohol and Drug Foundation on Knock Offs.

Australia is on track to ban children under 16 from using social media, a world-first move raising big questions. As the government tests new methods and technologies to verify users’ ages, there’s growing concerns about privacy, fairness and how the restrictions will work in practice. Jon and Declan discuss what this means for teenagers and parents on Knock Offs. Original story produced by Marie Mabadi for The Wire and featuring Alexia Maddox, Director of Digital Education and Senior Lecturer in Pedagogy and Education Futures with La Trobe University.

Jon reviews Mars Raspberry Smash Fun Size on Knock Offs.

Jon and Declan review Big M Mars and Maltesers on Knock Offs.

Jon and BEACS review Cadbury's Crunchie Easter Bunny (and other honeycomb options) on Knock Offs.

Last year was Australia’s worst year on record for the flu, and this year is on target to be worse - a record we don’t want to break. Flu cases are already up by 40 per cent compared to the same time last year, with 62,548 cases recorded against last year's 44,323 flu cases. We spoke with Senior Pharmacist with the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, Peter Guthrey, about the symptoms and effects of the flu, and why we should vaccinate. Jon and Caity discuss how we can stay healthy for ourselves, friends and family this flu season on Knock Offs.

Jon chats with BEACS about their new EP Motel Maybe, as Fitzroy footy and honeycomb snacks on Knock Offs. Catch BEACS, Ellen James and the Crescents and Maxwell Brady at the Cactus Room in Thornbury from 2:30pm Sunday 4 May 2025 and save a few dollars by pre-purchasing your tickets at https://events.humanitix.com/beacs-motel-maybe-ep-launch.

Jon chats with Tom Denham about The Glam Gizmo and getting his start in community radio on Knock Offs.

Jon, Skye and Caity review Piccolina's Uovo di Pasqua 25 Milo and Gaytime on Knock Offs.

Australia could be on the verge of its next big clean energy milestone with the Federal Government announcing a $2.3 billion commitment to increase the number of home batteries across Australia.  If implemented, the policy could support more than one million additional installations over the next five years, making batteries around 30% more affordable for households and businesses. The initiative is expected to reduce electricity costs, ease pressure on the national grid, and significantly cut climate pollution. With rooftop solar already on more than four million homes, experts say the boost could make Australia a world leader in home battery storage too. Jon and Caity discuss the committment on Knock Offs, with a shout out to The Juice Media. Original story produced by Mary-Kate Hannagan for The Wire and featuring Greg Bourne, Councillor for the Climate Council.

Jon and Caity review Dairy Fine Choco Air Mint on Knock Offs.

A new collaboration between the Australian Government and leading philanthropic foundations is supporting the establishment of a new national centre for place-based work in local communities - Partnerships for Local Action and Community Empowerment, or PLACE. PLACE is a newly formed organisation supported by the Department of Social Services, Paul Ramsay Foundation, Minderoo Foundation, Bryan Foundation, Dusseldorp Forum and Ian Potter Foundation. Dr Luke Craven is the CEO of PLACE and keynote speaker at the upcoming Prevention in Place Conference in Melbourne. The event showcases place-based approaches reducing disadvantage and improving wellbeing across Australia. Jon spoke with Luke about place-based solutions in Australia and how PLACE will support communities to address complex and entrenched challenges in society. Jon and Rasta discuss how place-based solution can work in our local communities on Knock Offs.

Jon and Rasta review the Malterers Biscuits on Knock Offs.

Jon chats with Cait King from Plump Aesthetic Clinic about cosmetic medicine on Knock Offs.

Jon and Caity review the Cadbury Dairy Milk Black Forest Raspberry on Knock Offs with a cameo from Tim and Kerrie from Cinco Savage.

Jon and Caity chat with Kerrie and Tim from Cinco Savage about their latest music video for Limousine, connections with the band and who Vanessa is on Knock Offs.

Skye and Jon review the Maxibon Vanilla Slice on Knock Offs.

A last-minute rush to pass electoral reforms through parliament has raised concerns from community groups, charities, and the federal crossbench. It’s the first time any government has made significant changes to the voting and campaigning process in decades. But many independent MPs say it could signal the ‘death of democracy’ in Australia. Jon and Skye discuss the Australia's electroral system on Knock Offs. Original story produced by Noah Secomb for The Wire and featuring Independent Member for Mackellar Sophie Scamps, Executive Director Australian Democracy Network Saffron Zomer, Greens Senator Larissa Waters, Independent MPs Kate Chaney and Andrew Wilkie, and Independent Member for Warringah Zali Steggall.

Australia is in the grips of a prison boom with more people behind bars than ever before. According to recent ABS data, Australia’s jail populations soared to 44,400 people last year – quadrupling since the 1980s. The NT is now the first Australian jurisdiction to see more than 1 percent of its adult population in lock up. A group of academics from across Australia, claim prisons are not the best solution for community safety or reform. So, how are prison populations aligning with Australia’s crime rates and what is driving the expansion of jails? Jon and Skye discuss Australia's criminal justice system on Knock Offs. Original story produced by Emma Wotzke for The Wire and featuring Dr Emma Russell Associate Professor of Crime, Justice and Legal Studies at La Trobe University.

70% of Australians support a ban on gambling ads, but the Australian Government has delayed gambling reform more than a year after political parties recommended government action. Jon speaks with Martin Thomas, the Alliance for Gambling Reform CEO, about the financial and social costs of gambling. Jon and Skye discuss the harmful effects of gambling on Knock Offs. If you or someone you know is in need of support, please contact the Gambling Helpline 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.

The Alcohol and Drug Foundation and National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) recently published a research project to better understand alcohol and other drug use by people aged over 50. Alcohol and Drug Foundation CEO, Dr Erin Lalor AM, describes harmful trends in older Australian’s alcohol and drug use, and possible solutions for healthier lifestyles. Jon and Skye discuss the harmful effects of alcohol and drugs on older people on Knock Offs. If you are concerned about your own, or a family or friend’s alcohol use, you can call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.

New data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics reveals there were 1,667 alcohol-induced deaths in 2023. Alcohol-induced causes include chronic conditions like liver cirrhosis and acute conditions such as alcohol poisoning. Jon speaks with Robert Taylor, Policy and Engagement Manager for the Alcohol and Drug Foundation about how we can reduce alcohol harms. Jon and Skye discuss the harmful effects of alcohol on Knock Offs. If you are concerned about your own, or a family or friend’s alcohol use, you can call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.

Research from FARE, the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education, and The University of Queensland shows how alcohol companies use digital advertising to promote, sell and deliver alcohol. Jon speaks with Dr Catherine Earl, Director of Policy & Research for the FARE and Robert Taylor, Policy and Engagement Manager for the Alcohol and Drug Foundation about what the research means for our families, friends and communities. Jon and Skye discuss the harmful effects of alcohol advertising on Knock Offs. If you are concerned about your own, or a family or friend’s alcohol use, you can call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.